Suspect jumps into bayou

A suspect is in custody this morning after jumping into Bayou Teche following a foot pursuit in New Iberia.

Iberia Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies chased a 37-year-old man on foot in the general area of Lewis and Main streets, near the Lewis Street Bridge, on the city’s east side, according to the sheriff’s office.

IPSO Public Information Officer Wendall Raborn said a deputy noticed a suspicious vehicle parked near a business on Darcy Street. Deputies approached the vehicle and after the driver got out he fled on foot to evade capture, Raborn said.

The suspect entered the Bayou Teche and continued to elude deputies, he said. Deputies searched along the water’s edge for nearly an hour. At 5:50 a.m. a deputy chased the suspect towards the west bank and the suspect eventually was captured at 6:08 a.m. Ammunition was found in the suspect’s vehicle although no weapons were recovered at that time.

Raborn said the suspect hit his head and was injured when he jumped into Bayou Teche and was then taken to a local hospital.

Charges are pending against him and an investigation is continuing.